Misinformation. Panic. Upheaval. The evacuation of Aleut Americans from their homes in the Aleutian and Pribilof islands began in a fog of confusion extending from the Territory of Alaska to Washington, D.C. Political infighting, paternalism and racism made an already difficult situation dangerous, even deadly, for the evacuees.

The evacuation of Aleut Americans began in June 1942, shortly after the bombing of Dutch Harbor and the invasion of Attu and Kiska by the Japanese. Federal officials ordered that anyone of “one eighth (1/8) native blood” must go; to where, no one knew.